Autumn escape in the mountainous Halkidiki
Halkidiki is one of the most popular tourist destinations in summer but it is also beautiful and charming at this time of year because of its mountain villages. The colorful transformation of the landscape in autumn, the lovely environment with the traditional houses, and the cobbled alleys make the mountainous Halkidiki a great spot for quick getaways. Here are some fall season suggestions to appreciate nature in Halkidiki, well-known hospitality, and the history of this place – perfect for a weekend or one-day trip.
Vavdos
Like an eagle’s nest perched on a hillside, Vavdos village captivates visitors with its beautiful natural landscape, incomparable views, and picturesque straits. Built amphitheatrically in the Holomontas mountain range, with many of the old, traditional houses “standing” on the slope, it overlooks the central part of the Halkidiki Peninsula.
The most prominent spot of Vavdos is its large central square with plane trees. One of them, designated as a protected monument of nature in 1976, became a sign of recognition for the village.
Some of the attractions of the village are the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin from 1811, the house where Nikolaos Germanos, professor, member of parliament, and founder of the Thessaloniki International Exhibition, was born, the “Philokleios School,” the one-seater elementary school and kindergarten, the folklore museum, the Holy Church of Saint Paraskevi from 1850 and the chapel of Prophet Elijah. The village’s highest point, “Prophet Elijah,” with the church bearing the same name, rises to 1,050 meters above sea level and offers a distinctive view of the “Keramaria” plain and the Halkidiki coast.
Metagitsi
At an altitude of 150 meters from the sea, Metaggitsi unites the north and the south, harmoniously combining the mountain and sea, natural beauty and tradition, as well as picturesque taverns and hospitality with local flavors.
Its traditional stone-built houses, with red tiled roofs, its cobbled streets and its beautiful chapels, charm the visitor at first glance. The same applies to the wonderful natural landscape that spreads all around it with the olive groves, the old water mill, and the dam of the river Havria.
The beautiful nature and the various trails, suitable for long walks, are all around. The foremost prevalent among them is the Havria river dam. The course starts at the nearby chapel of Agia Kyriaki, which was constructed in 1868, and ends at the location known as Desi.
Metaggitsi has gained popularity as a culinary destination recently thanks to its lovely tavernas, which serve authentic specialties and flavors derived entirely from regional ingredients, like the well-known olive oil “Galano PDO Metaggitsi Halkidiki.”
Taxiarhis
Built at an altitude of 650 meters, on top of Holomontas, it is one of the most picturesque villages of Halkidiki, literally drowned in greenery, with a magnificent view in every direction.
In the “village of Christmas,” as they call it, as the fir trees that travel all over Greece are grown there, you can enjoy your walk on the forest paths and nature, which transforms colors depending on the season.
The traditional houses, the old Macedonian style mansions, the picturesque alleys and the stone-built church create an exquisite architectural symphony. Agios Panteleimon, located outside the village, is a charming stone chapel constructed circa 1890 and restored in 1916. Following the dirt road that runs beside the chapel, you will discover the hidden lake. In essence, it is a dam, the Dam of Saint Panteleimon, which creates a lake and a unique idyllic landscape. Surrounded by towering trees reflecting in its waters, the lake, which we wouldn’t describe as small, will surprise you with its beauty. Savor the aromas of nature, let your eyes wander over the lake’s waters, and take in the stunning hues of the trees this time of year.
Arnaia
Picturesque and beautiful, Arnaia dominates the foothills of Mount Holomonta and is a traditional “jewel” for the mountainous Halkidiki. The town with its restored mansions and rich history has in recent years turned into a “must-go” destination for lovers of nature, architecture, history and gastronomy.
Colorful traditional houses and mansions, restored and well-maintained, cobblestones, for unforgettable walks through time and history, clean neighborhoods, traditional cafes and taverns, amazing nature with forests and gurgling waters are some of the things you will encounter…
Arnaia is classified as a “Traditional Settlement” and a “Historical Site,” and it was ranked third among Greece’s most picturesque villages by the American CNN! Along with being a significant wine and culinary hub “from Thessaloniki to Athos,” it is also well-known for the range and caliber of the region’s produce. It boasts a collection of numerous international and domestic accolades for its traditional “Arnaia products,” which include wine, honey, goat cheese, and the distinctive “Montovina” honey tsipouro.
Parthenonas
Its one of those small treasures of Halkidiki that are unknown to most, but are so valuable and important that if you discover them, you will never want to part with them. This is why the Parthenonas is one of the most beautiful villages in Halkidiki and all of Greece.
It is located at 350 meters on the slope of Mount Itamos, just 5 kilometers outside of N. Marmara. Going up to the Parthenonas, what will initially impress you is its dense vegetation and green landscape, with the olive groves and pine forest “hugging” it and reaching to the top of the mountain.
Stone houses of Macedonian architecture, impeccably preserved, with characteristic round chimneys, flowery courtyards and century-old plane trees, picturesque stone cobbled streets, traditional guesthouses and beautiful cafes and taverns.
Apart from the idyllic surroundings, what will enchant you at the Parthenonas is its irresistible and unobstructed view of the wonderful forests of Sithonia, the island of Kelyfos or Helona and of course the Toronean Gulf.
You will be drawn in by its beauty, intrigued by its history, and “captured” by the warmth of its people.
Galatista
At an elevation of roughly 500 meters, at the base of Mount Prophet Eliah, a member of the Hortiatis (Kissos) mountain range, Galatista looks out over the fertile valley that lies in front of it and has been known as Anthemousa or Anthemundas since ancient times.
The mountainous town of Halkidiki, only 40 kilometers from the city of Thessaloniki and 23 from Polygyros is a special destination for those who love tradition, nature, and time travel!
Moreover, this beautiful place stands out for its rich history and tradition, which slowly unfold in front of you when you walk through its picturesque alleys and well-kept neighborhoods.
Galatista is one of the oldest towns in Halkidiki, known for its Byzantine Tower, its fountains painted by the local women, its impressive Macedonian architecture, its mansions, and many churches and chapels.
Old Nikiti
Every summer, Nikiti, the capital of the municipality of Sithonia, draws a sizable number of visitors from both domestic and international destinations because to its alluring beaches and entertainment options. But how many of you have visited Old Nikiti, the protected traditional settlement, located on the upper side of the road?
Hidden in a ravine in the hills above the modern settlement, the Old Village of Nikiti is a historical place that will leave you stunned with its beauty and will take you on a journey to another era.
Indulge in its nostalgic atmosphere, while walking along its cobblestone streets and admiring the stone-built houses, squares, fountains and centuries-old plane trees. You can continue your journey by the shore and take pleasure in your food and coffee.
source: www.halkidikiguide.com
